Dhow Cruise Dubai with Kids – A Family Guide to Dining, Decks & Safety
A dhow cruise Dubai with kids experience gives families a chance to enjoy waterfront views, buffet dining and onboard entertainment together. Alishba Cruises offers a two-hour evening sailing with indoor and open-air seating, making it a practical choice for parents who want one planned activity.
Children can watch passing boats, illuminated buildings and the changing waterfront while adults enjoy dinner. Before booking, consider your child's age, bedtime, food preferences and seating needs to make the evening comfortable.
Why Choose a Family Dhow Cruise in Dubai?
A family dhow cruise Dubai experience combines sightseeing, dinner and entertainment in one setting. Parents can spend time with their children without arranging a separate restaurant or another evening activity after the cruise.
Unlike a fixed waterfront restaurant, a dhow offers changing views as the vessel moves through the water. Children can spot yachts, tall buildings and illuminated landmarks while enjoying the evening with their family.
For a broader overview of regular cruise experiences, explore dhow cruise Dubai with Alishba, including available vessels and onboard facilities.
What Makes a Dhow Cruise Enjoyable for Kids?
A dhow cruise for kids can be enjoyable because the surroundings keep changing throughout the sailing. Watching boats, recognising landmarks and experiencing live entertainment give children things to focus on beyond dinner.
Parents can make the evening more interesting by asking children to count passing yachts, identify building shapes or look for Ain Dubai when visible along the route.
The regular Alishba cruise lasts approximately two hours, from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. This can suit school-age children, but parents of younger children should consider their normal sleeping routine.
Which Dhow Cruise Is Best for a Family?
A dhow cruise for family outings should be selected according to comfort, budget and atmosphere. Alishba offers Costa for a relaxed evening and Royale for families who want a more premium double-deck experience.
Both options combine an evening sailing with buffet dining and entertainment. The main difference is the atmosphere and presentation rather than whether children can join.
| Family Consideration | Alishba Costa | Alishba Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Relaxed and lively | Premium and refined |
| Regular Duration | Approx. 2 hours | Approx. 2 hours |
| Dinner | International buffet | Curated buffet |
| Entertainment | Live onboard entertainment | Live instrumental-style entertainment |
| Upper Deck | Open-air | Open-air |
| Lower Deck | Enclosed & air-conditioned | Enclosed & air-conditioned |
| Adult Ticket | AED 150 | AED 200 |
| Child Ticket | AED 100 | AED 150 |
| Best For | Relaxed family outings | Premium family evenings |
Ticket note: These are current regular cruise prices. Final prices, guest categories and deck availability should be confirmed before completing your booking.
Upper Deck or Lower Deck with Children?
A kid-friendly dhow cruise Dubai experience depends partly on where your family sits. The lower deck offers an enclosed, air-conditioned setting that can be more comfortable for younger children or guests who prefer indoor dining.
The upper deck provides fresh air and open waterfront views, making it appealing for photographs and children who enjoy watching the surroundings.
Parents should supervise children around stairs, railings and open-deck areas. Select your preferred deck during booking, as seating availability can differ by cruise and date.
Can You Take Babies and Toddlers on a Dhow Cruise?
A dhow cruise with toddlers needs extra planning around feeding, bedtime, movement and comfort. Alishba's booking system includes an infant category, but parents should confirm age conditions and practical facilities before travelling.
For babies, bring normal feeding supplies, nappies, wipes and any essentials needed during the evening. Ask about stroller handling rather than assuming a stroller can remain beside your table.
If your toddler usually sleeps early, an evening cruise may interrupt their routine. Choosing a comfortable deck and planning around normal meal and rest times can help.
Food, Safety and Boarding Tips for Parents
Alishba's regular dinner cruises include buffet dining with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices depending on the selected menu.
For allergies or dietary restrictions, contact Alishba in advance. Do not assume a separate children's menu or special infant meal is included unless confirmed.
- Keep children under adult supervision throughout the cruise, especially around open decks and stairs.
- Follow the crew's instructions and avoid restricted areas.
- Bring feeding supplies, nappies and other essentials needed by younger children.
- Save the exact boarding location and arrival time from your booking confirmation.
- Allow additional travel time for Dubai evening traffic.
- Bring a light jacket for children who may feel cold inside air-conditioned seating.
New Year Family Dhow Cruise in Dubai
A New Year family dhow cruise gives parents and children a shared way to welcome the New Year with festive dining, onboard entertainment and a midnight celebration. Alishba's special 31 December sailing is scheduled from 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM.
The four-hour celebration may suit older children who enjoy music and staying awake until midnight. Parents with babies or toddlers should consider whether the longer schedule fits their child's sleeping routine.
Costa and Royale have separate New Year's Eve arrangements. Families should confirm child ticket conditions, final event pricing and preferred deck before payment.
Fireworks visibility depends on the sailing route, weather, vessel position and official arrangements. A particular display is not guaranteed.
How to Book a Dhow Cruise with Children
Start by choosing Costa or Royale according to your family's preferred atmosphere and budget. Select a date that suits your children's dinner and bedtime routine.
Enter the correct number of adults, children and infants. Check the ticket categories, deck choice, food inclusions and boarding requirements before completing payment.
If several families are travelling together, coordinate the booking and share the confirmed arrival information with everyone.
Dhow Cruise Dubai with Kids FAQs
Are children allowed on a dhow cruise in Dubai?
Yes. Alishba accepts family bookings and provides adult, child and infant booking categories. Confirm the current age conditions before payment.
Is a dhow cruise suitable for young children?
It can be suitable when the timing, seating and facilities match the child's needs. Parents should consider the two-hour evening duration and bedtime.
Which Alishba cruise is better for families?
Costa is a good choice for relaxed family outings. Royale suits families who prefer a more premium dining atmosphere and double-deck experience.
Is buffet dinner included for children?
Buffet dining is part of the regular cruise experience. Parents should confirm the selected package, child ticket conditions and food options.
What is the child ticket price?
Current regular child tickets are AED 100 on Alishba Costa and AED 150 on Alishba Royale. Special dates may have different rates.
Is the upper deck safe for children?
Children can use available upper-deck seating with appropriate adult supervision. Keep children away from railings and restricted areas and follow crew instructions.
Can I bring a baby or stroller onboard?
Alishba provides an infant booking category. Contact the team before sailing to confirm stroller handling, available space and requirements.
What time does the family dhow cruise start?
The regular Alishba dinner sailing is scheduled from approximately 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Follow the earlier reporting time in your confirmation.
Can families celebrate New Year's Eve on a dhow cruise?
Yes. Alishba offers a special 31 December sailing scheduled from 9:30 PM to 1:30 AM. Separate event pricing and booking conditions apply.
What should kids wear on a dhow cruise?
Comfortable clothes and practical footwear are suitable. A light jacket can help children who feel cold in air-conditioned seating.
Plan Your Family Evening with Alishba
Choose Costa for a relaxed setting or Royale for a premium evening. Confirm child tickets, preferred deck and boarding details before travelling.
